Southern California @ Arizona State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 6, 2010 ) Arizona State 33, Southern California 34

THE STORY: After opening with three consecutive home games, Southern Cal visits Arizona State in what could be a high-scoring affair. Arizona State and USC rank in the top 25 in passing, but the Sun Devils are coming off a 17-14 loss to Illinois when quarterback Brock Osweiler threw two interceptions and was sacked six times. In order to beat USC for the first time since 1999, Arizona State needs to slow down quarterback Matt Barkley, who has thrown nine touchdowns and one interception this season. The Trojans are ineligible to play in the Pac-12 Conference championship game, so they are focused on finishing with the best record in the South Division.

TV: ESPN. LINE: Arizona State - 2.5

ABOUT USC (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12): Barkley was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week after passing for five touchdowns against Syracuse. While many conference teams are utilizing a balanced offensive attack, the Trojans are averaging 307 passing yards per game and 131 yards on the ground. Wide receiver Robert Woods leads the nation in receptions with 11 per game. USC has allowed an average of 16 points this season, but the defense will be tested by Arizona State and its offense, which is averaging 457 yards per game. The Trojans have caused three turnovers through three games, and only 17 FBS teams have forced fewer this season.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (2-1, 0-0 Pac-12): Coach Dennis Erickson was most frustrated by his team’s inability to score in the red zone against the Fighting Illini. Arizona State crossed into Illinois territory nine times, but scored only twice. Defensive end Junior Onyeali, who led the Sun Devils in sacks last season and was the Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year, is likely out for the season after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee against Illinois. Sophomore Davon Coleman is expected to replace Onyeali. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict is tied for the Pac-12 lead in sacks (1.33 per game).

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Trojans lead the all-time series 19-8, including victories in the last 11 meetings. Erickson is 1-8 against USC in his career.

2. In his last visit to Arizona State in 2009, Barkley was 7-of-22 passing for 122 yards in USC’s 14-9 win. “That was probably one of the worst football games I've ever been a part of just overall,” he said.

3. Six Pac-12 players rank among the nation’s top 25 in receiving yards per game, including Woods (ninth), and Arizona State’s Aaron Pflugrad (22nd).

PREDICTION: USC 34, Arizona State 28 - The Sun Devils have lost four defensive starters since spring practice, and they’ll be missed against USC and the Trojans’ aerial attack.